Did Scully deserve another chance?

Should the Police Minister, Carl Scully, have been sacked or did he deserve another chance?

This forum is now closed; here's what you said.

Posted
by SMH OnlineOctober 26, 2006 8:36 AM

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You have to be kidding? Another chance? The problem is he will march off into the chaos with a fat super, paid by the people he conned! Get him and his corrupt mates outa there!

Posted by: Charles Parker on October 26, 2006 9:08 AM

I can't believe it has taken this long for Carl to be booted from the Ministry.

He was the Minister for Trains Not Running To Time and now this debacle with the Cronulla Riot.

He was a poor imitation of Laurie Brereton.

Neither should see the inside of a Parliamentry Chamber ever again!

Posted by: Todd on October 26, 2006 9:12 AM

Yes - it's about time the NSW Labor government took a good look at the 'interesting' backgrounds and ideologies of their ministers. Scully should never have been there in the first place - his sacking should have happened ages ago - can we now get rid of the rest of the NSW government!

Posted by: Jules on October 26, 2006 9:12 AM

Had this been his first mistake, a second chance would have been more than acceptable. But this latest in a long line of guffaws is simply unacceptable, especially for a senior minister so close to a tough election. Despite his strong performance in Parliament, he is not the 'total package' needed in such a tough portfolio. Getting rid of him is a smart move, but the damage has now been done and NSW voters are not the most forgiving lot.

Posted by: Borys Pawliw on October 26, 2006 9:17 AM

Sack the lot of them I say, on both sides. Iemma and Debnam are both losers and neither is electable as premier in March. NSW parliament is some kind of sick joke on the citizens of NSW, we deserve much better.

Posted by: Sed on October 26, 2006 9:20 AM

Scully should be given a chance, to repay the State's fortunes, along with the others of this rotten parliamentary cabal in NSW.

Posted by: Anthony on October 26, 2006 9:20 AM

There is no denying that a minister who misleads parliament should be held to account and be forced to resign.

This applies to federal as well as state politics. It is a shame that the same standards that Iemma is applying to the state ministers are not applied by Howard to federal ministers.

The number of times that Howard and his ministers have lied and misled parliament over the years only to blame the lies and misleading of parliament on a ministerial staff member or other public servant who purportedly does not inform the minister is astonishing....

Posted by: Andrew G on October 26, 2006 9:21 AM

The only problem with this whole scenario is he has left a host of other incompetents there to fill his shoes.
I cannot believe it has taken the party this long to get rid of him, mind you, perhaps they can't see the forest for the trees.

Give him another chance? As if!!

Posted by: Hamish on October 26, 2006 9:22 AM

A touch of sparkle? More like a whole lot of debacle!

Posted by: Tony Lastro on October 26, 2006 9:23 AM

The question should be:
Did the voters of NSW deserve to be told the truth?

Carl will do very well as a Union Delegate. Now he'll just have to learn intimidation.

Posted by: neil on October 26, 2006 9:24 AM

SACK HIM AND IEMMA
NSW deserves better
The best state in Australia destroyed!

Posted by: john forrest on October 26, 2006 9:25 AM

Does it really matter anyway?

Yes, Carl Scully does lose the extra income from having a portfolio however he retains his seat in parliament and gets to sit on the back benches, bascially not a bad deal for someone whose incompetance has been repeatedly demonstrated

The people of NSW are the real losers as we have to live with his legacy

Posted by: Ric on October 26, 2006 9:29 AM

I think that if there was a filmclip of Scullys political career the soundtrack should be "Everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you"

Posted by: Mat on October 26, 2006 9:31 AM

Scully is a self-serving, publicity seeking, idiot who has left a litany of political accidents behind him. Another chance? That would be the gravest of errors!

Posted by: Andrej on October 26, 2006 9:31 AM

How come nothing happens to Iemma when he lies on radio (2UE - mike and fitz breakfast show) and says Scully wasn't going to lose his job?
They're all liars! Get rid of all of them before they completely f--k up this state.

Posted by: d on October 26, 2006 9:34 AM

Scully had already had too many chances. Each previous portfolio was left a mess and the Police now face the same problem. Getting rid of Scully does not undo the damage he has caused with his blundering interference with the running the NSW Police.

As previously highlighted by some journalists, Scully has appointed a variety of his friends and allies (invariably from Rail Corp and the RTA) into the most senior levels of NSW Police. Until they are dispatched with Scully, his inept control over NSW Police will continue with catastrophic results.

Posted by: Jenny on October 26, 2006 9:36 AM

I personally like Mr. Scully. He gets the boot for two white lyes - as a politician. Your joking.
If only the federal parliament had such standards. Would Howard boot any of his loyal cabinet for the same thing - never in a million years.
Both Iemma and Debnam are too conservative for me. Get lost!
BRING BACK CARR!!!! Where are you Bob....your state needs you??

Posted by: Travis on October 26, 2006 9:38 AM

Go Carl, Go Carl, Go, Go.........just Go!

Posted by: Zed on October 26, 2006 9:38 AM

It's about time. How many serious stuff ups does one have to make. We've had the debarcle with the Cross City Tunnel and the deals with the consortium to close roads and force people into the tunnel.

Now we have the same thing happening with the Lane Cove Tunnel. Scully in his press release stated

"the project would reduce congestion for commuters living in Sydney's burgeoning north and north-west suburbs.

There will be less traffic on Epping Road, Longueville Road and Mowbray Road West which will reduce traffic noise and improve access to local streets."

Well, with less motor vehicle lanes on Epping road, I foresee congestion to be worse in order to force people into the tunnel.

So much for planning for growth. These types of decisions are political stunts which pander to contractors.

As Jules said, get rid of the rest of the NSW government. In fact, get rid of the whole state government system. There is so much duplication in function with the federal government and we could then get some standardisation between states. Not to mention the money that will be saved by cleaning out a load of redundant politicians and their perks.

Posted by: Mark on October 26, 2006 9:39 AM

Wasnt Scully the clown who let the proprietors of the Cross city tunnel get away with the crap that they did get away with ?

Macquarie Bank ... Please dont hire him like you hired Bob Carr ....

Posted by: Geoff on October 26, 2006 9:40 AM

In Carl Scully's defence he should not have been sacked. His portfolio is very demanding and he obviously didn't remember the phone call to the ABC, but someone has set him up via Deadman. Bit of dirty work there from the Libs again and what about the Rodent's infamous 'ministerial code of conduct'. No fall out there, only when it is a Labor Govt. are they persued so voraciously by the press, even the ABC - did you hear the presenters on 702 this morning? Bias against who? Not the conservatives thats for sure.

Posted by: Rosalind on October 26, 2006 9:41 AM

If he had made a mistake a second chance would be reasonable, but out right lies are not acceptable at all. The soon we get some intellect in as premier the better. Iemma is a joke, but the competition is worse. Malcom Turnbull for premier !

Posted by: michael on October 26, 2006 9:45 AM

Scully should have been sacked ages ago. He is the image of a spineless, gutless wannabe - a non-achiever, a weasel and a parasite.

He's there in front of the media in a flash if things are going well and he's nowhere to be seen when things go bad. Last night, he had the nerve to tell the media to respect his privacy - where's the respect for the Parliament, the Law and the People when you're telling lies to save your hide, Carl???

Have a nice day.

Posted by: Justin Tyme on October 26, 2006 9:48 AM

Mr Scully has always been too clever by half and has always projected an air of arrogance and superiority.

The cross city tunel debarcle was testemony to his total lack of understanding of the big picture, and demonstrated how completely out of touch he was with the mood of the electorate to major road closures and disruptions to traffic flows in the city.

He has also admitted he is not averse to kicking heads both within his own party and the opposition, and has over the years created a significant number of political enemies.

It comes as no surprise that when he made two "unforced errors" within a few days, the knives were out for his resignation and the Premier, to his credit, took the hard decision to sack his one time rival, to preserve the government's credability.

Why Scully misled parliament on two occasions is a mystery as he is normally a polished and canny performer. One can only surmise that he was poorly advised or decided he could get some political milage by twisting the truth over the Cronulla riot report and arrogantly thought that he could get away with it.

Either way, he made a serious political error and rightly paid the ultimate political price.

I cannot see Scully living happily everafter on the back bench, even though he is deluded enough to believe he is still indispensible to the parliamentry Labor party.

He should resign from parliament at or before the next election and if he goes quietly, will no doubt be well rewarded if Labor is returned to power. Mark my words, when jobs for the boys are redistributed by the new government, Mt Scully will be given a plum position and probably end up earning more that the Premier. Ironic isn't it?

Am I too cynical? Watch this space!!

Posted by: Rob Courte on October 26, 2006 9:48 AM

Just another drongo being paid far too much money, for doing nothing.
He should never have been made a cabinet minister, nor allowed to speak in the house.
Good riddance to the idiot.

Posted by: jojo on October 26, 2006 9:48 AM

Well, if we are to go by John Howard's and the Federal Governments standards,in protecting liars and corrupt politicians, then Carl Scully should not have been sacked.
Peter Debnam, should first address this issue to his bosses in Canberra,before he speaks of corruption etc in NSW.

Posted by: Malcolm Fernandopulle on October 26, 2006 9:49 AM

At last some balls shown by the Government. First time for everything Morris. Why not show some real nous and get rid of Scully from the back bench also and stop wasting our tax dollars on an incompetant liar!
As for bringing back Bob Carr-he started his premiership well but left the state in tatters before jumping ship. Pity his replacement is an also-ran.

Bring on the election I say!

Posted by: Jason L on October 26, 2006 9:50 AM

The guy was a dick and deserves to be shunted, not just to the back bench but right out of the House.

Like many other circumstances recently, however, it begs the question: 'What would Debnam do?'

Posted by: Hoss on October 26, 2006 9:51 AM

When is Joe Tripodi goint to get the chop?

Posted by: Steven L on October 26, 2006 9:51 AM

No way, Its about time Ministers stop lying to the public. He lied when he was Transport minister in the management of NSW Roads. He was aware of the Cross City Tunnel impacts and cost cost to NSW taxpayers.

Posted by: Ex- RTA employee on October 26, 2006 9:57 AM

Should he have been sacked? Probably. But is that the question we should be asking?
This smells more of the usual political gamesmanship more than anything else. Political life tends to be one of survival rather than of achievement or public service. How many times, even in the past 12 months, have we seen the Mr. Scully's of this world get caught in some media 'scandal'. The spin doctors and colleagues surround him and ride the storm out while joe average sits back and looks in amazement as they yet again survive the process.If only we could have been a fly on the wall in that 'meeting' yesterday with the premier. What was offered and why is this incident/s anymore fatal than one of the other never ending list of events in public life. When is the next election due?

Posted by: Anthony Brewster on October 26, 2006 9:59 AM

There once was a minister called Scully / He led himself up a dry gully / Back to the chamber he went / Crying my words are all bent / No more a portfolio to sully

Posted by: Craigo the serial limericist on October 26, 2006 10:01 AM

Scully's complete incompetence as police minister was only ever surpassed by his monumentally dismal performance as roads minister. Good riddance - he should have been sacked years ago.

Isn't this par for the course for this government? Sacking is inconsequential, because this behaviour is symptomatic of the rest of the pathetic lot. But is the other side any better? Iemma or not for the next election is really a big dilemma for NSW.

Posted by: Peter Williams on October 26, 2006 10:04 AM

Another Minister completely out of touch with reality. I recall his comments about the condition of the Pacific Highway which made one wonder whether he had actually ever driven on it! Also at the same time his comment that there was no evidence that vehicles slowed down when approaching speed cameras and sped up after passing them.What a joke!!!

Posted by: Mike on October 26, 2006 10:06 AM

HE DIDN'T START THE RIOTS, HE DIDN'T PERPETUATE THEM, HE DOESN'T SPREAD HATRED. I DON'T THINK IT WAS SUCH A BIG ISSUE. DEBNHAM HOWEVER HAS PUBLICLY STATED THAT HE WOULD ORDER THE POLICE TO BREAK THE LAW BY ARRESTING PEOPLE BASED ON NO EVIDENCE!- SHOULDN'T HE BE ARRESTED (AND PUBLICLY FLOGGED).

Posted by: AntiConservative on October 26, 2006 10:09 AM

How many chances does he need?? The sheer arrogance of the man (demonstrated most succinctly by his tazer gun stunt within the confines of parliament, in violation of centuries old conventions against the carrying of weapons within the parliament) meant that it would only be a matter of time before he got the boot.

Good riddance.

Posted by: Scipio on October 26, 2006 10:10 AM

ABSOULTE FACT - had Debnham been Premier and one of his CONservatives been in Scully's position, Debnham would not have sacked him because he is a CONservative!!!!!

Posted by: Mark on October 26, 2006 10:16 AM

not at all. it's great to see him go. he's an arrogant and incompetent (not to mention boring) politician. i think this will be a good thing for the coalition. and the debacle has given iemma the opportunity to display solid and confident leadership...

Posted by: ohz on October 26, 2006 10:22 AM

Long overdue ! How many portfolios has he stuffed up ?
This man has good connections in the ALP and it has been very evident.
Private enterprise would never have put up with such incompetence.

Posted by: Russell J. on October 26, 2006 10:25 AM

Another chance? No way! That man has screwed up every portfolio that he's ever had in the last 10 years or so.

Posted by: Andoru on October 26, 2006 10:28 AM

Carl Scully has proven himself as an unreliable portfolio holder on more occasions than one. Dishonesty on issues such as these is entirely unacceptable, as Mr. Scully is aware. Imagine if he had rallied enough numbers to be where Iemma stands? What a mockery on our State political system. While I'm sure his "heart was in the right place - serving the people of NSW etc" I think we are all clever enough to decide what we think, need and do with accurate information given by our leaders. That he feels he has the right to decide that for us is a little rich.

Posted by: Mands on October 26, 2006 10:28 AM

A second chance? Hell no!!
Carl Scully has proven to be an arrogant and self serving politician who has distinguished himself only by his gross ineptitude whilst administering both the transport and police portfolios.
What a pity he will still get to sit on the back bench in parliament, and continue to enjoy a large salary.
Only other worry is ... who will we get next?

Posted by: Rose Heath on October 26, 2006 10:30 AM

Interesting that the only thing anyone wanting to support him seems able to say is along the lines of "the Coalition is worse".

Posted by: Sweetbytch on October 26, 2006 10:34 AM

Morris Iemma was right. It is simply one mistake too many. Except the one mistake was when Carl Scully was first elevated to a ministerial portfolio rather than his arrogant gaffe yesterday.

Posted by: Anon on October 26, 2006 10:34 AM

I think Carl is a good bloke and should not have been sacked by my very good friend Morris. Off course, neither I nor my professional staff would have engaged in such conduct. What's your view Jesus Jones?

Posted by: Peter Debnam on October 26, 2006 10:35 AM

Thank god Morris got rid of him. He was an embarrassment.

Posted by: stevet on October 26, 2006 10:35 AM

Of course Scully should go.
NSW used to be the Premier State but now, after years of Labor, this state is dieing.
Just look at our trains (both country and city), our roads, energy, and so the list goes on.
Let us hope that the others will do better after March.

Posted by: William G on October 26, 2006 10:38 AM

Why did it take so long? in passing I will quote Burns. "Such a parcel of rogues in a nation" or to bowdlerise the bard "Such a parcel of self seeking incompetents in Australia" Problem is, can anyone think of a better hole.

Posted by: James MacLachlan on October 26, 2006 10:39 AM

Iemma cannot hope to do a Pontius Pilate and wash his hands of any responsibility for the actions of his Govt just by shunting aside one member. Scully is not on his own - what about the likes of Tripodi and the rest of the "Terrigal" faction which shoe-horned Iemma into the Premiership? This faction still rules NSW and it almost made Scully the leader, having paved the way for his 11 year Ministerial career.

I had to laugh when I read the comment by some cretin that the State needed Bob Carr to return. It reminded me of Keating's remark about a dog returning to it's vomit.

Posted by: Barabass on October 26, 2006 10:39 AM

I love Scully. He was as good as they come. He should have been a Premier if it wasn't for the Labor party backstabbing.

Posted by: huskies on October 26, 2006 10:41 AM

At first I thought it was great he was sacked but this morning I read he is a vegan and so have now changed my mind. In the sea of blank mediocrity which is NSW politics, I'd happily vote for someone simply on the basis that they don't eat meat - if I have to vote for a corrupt, lying, politically correct, out-of-touch power hungry loser, then I might as well vote for an interesting one. BTW - the list of ministers who have 'resigned' from Iemmas team seems to get longer each month - perhaps we should be looking at the rock thrown into the deep end, not the ripples?

Posted by: Ian on October 26, 2006 10:46 AM

Goodbye Scully...hope you don't come back.
Wish it would happen to the whole Lemma Government...!
They have wrecked the place!

Posted by: Phil on October 26, 2006 10:47 AM

About time , if i had done as many blunders in my career as he has , i would have been out of a job 10 times over . Carl Scully is not the only polly that should go . Is this what we pay for in our taxes . Bob Carr should have been sacked as well. He had 10 years and what did he achieve " nothing" . I catch buses today i swear i used when i was at school ( 20 years ago). These pollies seem to think they are un touchable and there arrogance is just to hard to bear .

Now is the time to get rid of the crap !.

Posted by: chris on October 26, 2006 10:47 AM

No, no second and third chances. But what a shame -we've lost yet another performer- and he was only getting better. Who will entertain us now?
I guess we can now sit back and watch Scully follow the lead of that other great performer, Bob Carr.

Posted by: Sally on October 26, 2006 11:00 AM

What is the point of asking whether Scully should have been given another chance?

He has been sacked. Get over it and get focused on some emerging issues. For example:

Call me a cynic, but what is the chance that Scully has been asked to take the chop to make Iemma look like he has a backbone, in exchange for a nudge-nudge wink wink deal that he'll be found another ministry after March next year?

Posted by: Simon on October 26, 2006 11:01 AM

Thank god he's gone, now what about the Labor party, gee I cant wait for the next election, I've have never seen such incompetence since the Barry Unsworth era.
These guys have ruined NSW! They have taken the gem of Australia and have let it crumble to nothing.

Posted by: John on October 26, 2006 11:06 AM

So why is Scully still listed as the Minister of Police on the Government Directory of Ministers? Sparkle extinguished itself 10 years ago.
Next? Roozendaal. Carr, Scully, Roozendaal. Who paid for the roads? If I'm not mistaken the people of NSW did. Cross City Tunnel / Epping Tunnel. Here we go again. Bring on the election and open ALL surface roads.

Posted by: Jack on October 26, 2006 11:08 AM

He should have been sacked when he was Roads Minister. He has proved himself incompetent in all his portfolios. The trouble is he's no different to any of the other current ministers except Carmel Tebbutt, who is doing a good job and ought to be Premier. Of course, she's on the wrong side of the Party.

Posted by: Wilfred Fisher-Christison on October 26, 2006 11:10 AM

Scully destroys everything he touches... Just look at City Rail!

Speaking of which, the Labor Government should stop wasting our money on stupid ads telling us how they are fixing City Rail... They should be apologising for destroying it in the first place.

Posted by: Ali B on October 26, 2006 11:16 AM

AT LEAST HE'S NOT A CONSERVATIVE!!

Posted by: Andrew on October 26, 2006 11:17 AM

No more second chances for any of them.....Bring on the election!

I agree with Simon 11.01am

There must have been some kind of deal struck for Scully to leave so peacefully, such an about face!

Posted by: Somethings fishy on October 26, 2006 11:37 AM

Sack him? For What? What did he do wrong?

For incompetance and misleading parliament. Nah doesn't deserve it in fact not only is it unjust but he should also be promoted. Make him Premier or offer him a Federal portfolio after all he'll do just as good a job as the current imcumbents. Just ask Tony Abbott, Alex Downer, John Howard. He's up there with the best of them no question about that.

Just typical professional conduct expected and required by upcoming politicians. Just the normal standards of the day

Posted by: m on October 26, 2006 11:39 AM

Agree with all the others, this is great news, one less incompetent fool in politics can only be good.

Unfortunately, the legacy of this buffoon lingers, thanks to the corrupt appointment of several of his past friends and allies to key senior positions in Police.

Railcorp and the RTA were glad to see the back of him and his friends and hopefully it won't take too long for them to be weeded out of Police.

Posted by: Gordon on October 26, 2006 11:48 AM

Oh boy, Iemma, Costa, Roozendaal, Sartor, Scully, Tripodi and the others; there is not much to commend them if you really think about it.
Scully has demonstrated all we have is a bunch of incompetent dissembling bullies who put ambition before the common good; whose public utterances are full of bombast, puffery and plain bulldust, which ultimately brings them undone.
Their back room behaviour when one gets to see them up close and personal is even more disgraceful. It's not a pretty sight and they are lazy to boot.
Look back over the promises made by Carr and his team all those years ago and you would see that they have not delivered on any of them.
They use bluster, bastardry and bullying and blame bureaucrats for their failures. However, if a failed bureaucrat is a political mate they reward them with an over paid job in another area of government or on a committee or board.
They have imposed grubby taxes to pay for a myriad of these so-called quasi-autonomous-non-government playthings for mates which should all be canned as soon as a half-decent alternative comes to power.
This bunch will never own up to appointing incompetent party pals into roles beyond their capabilities; instead they just keep on feeding the favours, and finding ways to creatively fund their political campaigns. These cosy roosts cost the state billions and deposed roosters like Scully will find his way onto one of them.
This government employs macho media savvy legal eagle maidens to spin the message and to keep them from getting entirely out of control in public. It seems these mavens do not do their job very well; the odd drunk driver has slipped through.
Together they undid the reforms that would have set the state onto a sound footing for growth for decades and enable delivery of services to the people that most need them and what is worse have failed to engage people in developing a better community.
They have allowed infrastructure to run down to a level when they endanger the public and for sectional interest to dominate.
They have failed to protect the weak, vulnerable, aged and infirm. Aged people die alone in their homes; children at risk brutally killed by a system driven by incompetent political appointees; addicts are shifted from one neighbourhood to another rather than fixing the underlying causes.
They have failed to provide services to the people that need them; housing is a disaster area of misplaced resources and rorts and they have clearly failed to find ways to assist people into community homes, while looking after developers..
They have made a mess of the education system and schools are falling apart around teachers and students.
While this bunch dwell on process and protecting their power base they will never set meaningful targets so we the poor citizens can see clear and positively where they are falling behind, failing to deliver and where rarely they may be succeeding.
Mr. Iemma your 'vision' was a bloody disgrace. The way you went about engaging people in setting clear directions and goals was a costly exercise intended to fool people into thinking you and your bunch really cared and were intent on doing something for the common good; instead it was just another exercise in spin to try to retain power. Scully did not deserve his job; you don't deserve yours.

Posted by: Frank Clifford on October 26, 2006 11:53 AM

TONY ABBOTT MADE AN IRON CLAD GUARANTEE ON THE MEDICARE SAFETY NET ISSUE AT THE LAST FEDERAL ELECTION - WHY IS HE STILL AROUND? CAN ANY CONSERVATIVE ANSWER THAT QUESTION?

Posted by: Bill on October 26, 2006 1:08 PM

Gee Bill you remind me of the Iema government all they can do is throw the subject towards another direction.
Bill are your convictions that bad that yoou wouldnt give a dam about NSW? Is that the best you can do?

Posted by: John on October 26, 2006 1:54 PM

SMH - where is the online poll to accompany these comments ???

It's a shame that state of NSW, with arguably the best potentional in the country, is run by mob of incompetent politicians - a jobs for the boys party.

time to clean out the NSW Labor Party .... thanks for the crappy legacy Bob Carr (maybe it's time for Macquarie Bank to privatise all of NSW and Bob Carr can run it again - NO THANKS!)

All the NSW Labor party can do is screw up a great state to look after themselves.

Anyone who misleads the Australian people, particularly those priveleged enough to be in parliament, does not desrerve be in any position of leadership. Given the aforementiontioned lies of John Howard: the same example that has been made of Carl Scully should apply to Federal politicians. "You lie, you cheat, you decieve - you're out."